Brooke Belliveau chose to focus on fashion after graduating from CMU, and her commitment to this fast-paced and highly creative industry has allowed her to thrive as an editorial, bridal and event makeup artist, working with clients including the Toronto-based loungewear brand, Soft Focus. Learn more about why Brooke chose to attend CMU, and where her career has taken her so far.
When did you become interested in makeup artistry?
I’ve always had a keen interest in the arts. I took high-level art classes in high school, specializing in painting faces. I also loved doing my own makeup, and makeup for my friends, as well for school dances. So in the back of my mind, the urge to pursue makeup started around 16.
Why did you choose CMU? What program did you enroll in and why?
I chose to go to CMU because I’ve always wanted to go to the best schools; when doing my research, CMU always came up as one of the best in the country, so it was an easy decision for me. I enrolled in the Complete Makeup Artistry program because I wanted to be fully educated in all fields of the industry.
What was your favourite class and why?
My favourite class was probably Fashion. It’s what I was most interested in having a career in.
What’s the most important piece of advice, or thing you learned at CMU?
The most important thing that I learned is that networking and building a great portfolio are key to making it in this industry!
What have you been working on since graduation?
Since graduating, I’ve worked on so many shoots for clients, start-up clothing brands and shoots for magazine publications. I’ve been lucky enough to be featured in ten different magazines now. I’ve also started to get more work in the bridal industry. I also have an exciting year-long project with an amazing team coming out later in the year called The Timeless Project.
What has been your favourite job so far and why?
It’s hard to pick one specific shoot! But working on the Timeless Project has been an amazing journey and an experience that will be hard to beat.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of enrolling at CMU?
I would say definitely go for it! It’s always worth it to do something you love every single day! But know that nothing happens overnight. It takes a long time to get where you want to be.
What would be your dream makeup gig?
My dream makeup gig would have to be a tie between working in any capacity with Lady Gaga or Pat McGrath!
“Since graduating, I’ve worked on so many shoots for clients, start-up clothing brands and shoots for magazine publications. I’ve been lucky enough to be featured in ten different magazines now… But know that nothing happens overnight. It takes a long time to get where you want to be.”
